Chelsea Chasing New €100m-Rated Striker

Pavlidis Joins Long List of Summer Forward Targets at Stamford Bridge

It wouldn’t be a summer transfer window without Chelsea being linked to a dozen strikers – and 2025 seems to be no exception. The Blues, once again on the lookout for firepower up top, are reportedly circling around several names, including a fresh yet somewhat familiar face: Vangelis Pavlidis.

The Greek international, currently lighting it up for Benfica, is the latest striker to enter the conversation as the West London club prepares for what could be a fierce market battle for Europe’s most in-form forwards.

So, who is Pavlidis, and how serious is Chelsea’s interest this time around? Let’s dig into the full picture.

Chelsea’s Ongoing Hunt for a Frontline Fix

It’s been a recurring theme since the days of Didier Drogba. After him, there was Costa. After Costa, things started to look more patchy. From Morata to Higuain, Lukaku to Werner, Chelsea’s relationship with centre-forwards in the post-title-winning era has been, frankly, complicated.

The 2024/25 season wasn’t terrible in terms of attacking output. Nicolas Jackson showed flashes of promise, scoring 14 goals in all competitions and contributing positively with his movement and work rate. But it’s clear that Chelsea are still lacking that ruthless, clinical presence in front of goal — the kind that wins you tight games and trophies.

With new manager Enzo Maresca now at the helm, the club is re-evaluating its attacking options ahead of another rebuild. While Jackson still has his manager’s backing, there’s a growing sense that Chelsea will move for either a more experienced striker to share the load — or a younger, high-upside player who can develop behind the scenes.

That brings us to Pavlidis.

Vangelis Pavlidis: The New (Old) Name on Chelsea’s Radar

Reports out of Portugal suggest that Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis has emerged as a genuine option for Chelsea this summer. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign in Lisbon, racking up 24 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions — numbers that haven’t gone unnoticed across Europe.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Pavlidis has been on Chelsea’s watchlist. Back in 2023, during his time at AZ Alkmaar, the Blues were said to be quietly monitoring his development, although nothing materialized at the time. Fast forward two years, and the striker is now commanding attention on a whole new level.

Benfica snapped him up last summer for a modest €18 million, but his value has skyrocketed since then. Now, any potential suitor — Chelsea included — will need to contend with his €100 million release clause. That’s right: nine figures. It’s the sort of number that would make even the richest clubs pause for breath.

Can Chelsea Really Afford a €100m Striker?

In pure financial terms, yes, Chelsea probably can. But should they? That’s the bigger question — and the answer seems to lean toward “probably not.”

Sources close to the club suggest that Chelsea are reluctant to splash big on another striker unless the opportunity is deemed exceptional. It’s not just about budget either. There’s also the looming pressure of Financial Fair Play, as well as Maresca’s personal preference for a more organic approach to building a squad.

While Pavlidis certainly fits the bill in terms of production, he may not represent the sort of long-term value Chelsea are seeking. At 26, he’s not exactly old, but he’s also not the 19 or 20-year-old wonderkid profile the club has often prioritized in recent windows.

So what does Chelsea really want?

Who Else Is on the Radar?

Beyond Pavlidis, the list is long. Very long. That’s both a blessing and a curse.

Among the most talked-about names are:

• Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig): Tall, fast, and still only 21. One of the hottest young striker prospects in Europe. But Chelsea would face stiff competition.

• Jonathan David (Lille): Technically gifted and tactically smart. The Canadian international has been linked with Premier League clubs for two years running.

• Liam Delap (Ipswich Town): Perhaps the most intriguing low-key option. Delap reportedly has a £30m release clause in the event of relegation — a fee Chelsea might find much more palatable.

This mixed bag reflects Chelsea’s current strategy: explore the market, keep options open, and avoid rushing into a marquee deal unless the right fit presents itself. After all, the club’s recent history with expensive strikers doesn’t exactly make for pretty reading.

What Makes Pavlidis Worth a Look?

Let’s be clear: €100 million is a lot. But Pavlidis offers certain traits that make him an appealing option nonetheless.

He’s a finisher clinical and composed in front of goal. He doesn’t waste chances, and that’s a rare quality. He’s also smart with his movement, drifts between defenders, and knows how to time his runs. Not to mention, he’s strong in the air and comfortable with both feet.

He has the build and skill set to survive  and thrive  in the Premier League. At AZ, he was consistent. At Benfica, he’s taken things up a level. That upward trajectory is exactly what clubs like Chelsea crave.

But is that enough?

The Competition is Real

Chelsea aren’t the only ones sniffing around. Reports suggest Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Newcastle United have all made preliminary inquiries about Pavlidis. While some of those clubs may balk at the €100m price tag, it does indicate the level of interest the striker is generating.

If Benfica play hardball and let’s be honest, they usually do any buying club will have to make a compelling case, financially and personally, to lure him away.

Conclusion: Is Pavlidis the Answer?

It’s hard to say definitively. Pavlidis ticks many boxes, but the price tag complicates things. Chelsea are walking a tightrope this summer, needing reinforcements without overspending. Enzo Maresca wants balance not just in the squad, but in the budget sheet as well.

So don’t be surprised if Chelsea keep flirting with the Pavlidis idea without fully committing. Unless Benfica soften their stance or the player himself pushes for a move, this saga might fizzle out like so many before it.

Still, in the world of football, things can change fast. One injury, one window of opportunity, and a club’s transfer policy can flip on its head. For now, Pavlidis is in the mix  and that alone makes this story one worth watching as the summer heats up.